Olive Oil and the Fight Against Cancer

At My Olive Tree we are continually amazed by the incredible benefits of olive oil. We oftentimes discuss the importance of adding extra virgin olive oil to your diet, as research continues to point to lasting results when consumed in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise.

Recently researchers at JAMA International Medicine, in Spain, have discovered that diets rich in olive oil, in combination with the Mediterranean diet, can help lower the risk of breast cancer. Science Daily reported that women who completed this study showed a lower risk of malignant breast cancer by 68 percent.

Although EVOO is not a cure for those suffering from breast cancer, including it in your diet as a preventative measure is recommended. Mary Flynn, a research dietitian at The Miriam Hospital (a medical teaching school at Brown University), is not surprised by these results. In a recent article, one of her patients shared that olive oil actually helps the body break down food, allowing the nutrients to be better absorbed into the system.

Many people avoid adding olive oil to their diets, as they are looking to dodge the extra calories. However, Flynn found that by adding EVOO to her patients diets not only lowered the risk of breast cancer, but also helped them lose weight, as well. “I was very surprised to find out they lost more weight with the higher olive oil diet” said Flynn. “Also, they had lower levels of insulin, glucose and triglycerides.”

Another breakthrough discovery reported via Fox News stated that:

“The trio applied the antioxidant substance oleocanthal to live cancer cells, and that induced apoptosis, or cell death. Inducing cancer cell death is a mode of action for the toxic chemotherapeutic drugs used in cancer therapy, but this study involved a healthy, safe, non-toxic antioxidant from heart-healthy olive oil. The same cell-killing effect does not occur when oleocanthal is applied to healthy cells. Thus this is known as ‘selective’ activity.

“According to LeGendre, oleocanthal causes small organelles, or vesicles, known as lysosomes, within the cells to rupture. When this rupture occurs, enzymes within the cancer cells kill those cells rapidly. Basically, the cells commit suicide.”

It is important that we take care of our bodies daily, by providing it with the best vitamins and nutrients available. Taking daily supplements, eating large helpings of vegetables and correct portions of healthy fats, like olive oil, will promote ongoing health and wellness—which in turn will aid the body in fighting disease.

If you would like to learn more about My Olive Tree’s, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, be sure to check out our website here.

My Olive Tree’s, Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Northern Israel is light and full of delicate flavor; our Northern Israel oil is perfect for salad dressings, marinades, or as a hummus topping! It mixes well with the spices of your choice leaving you with a smooth and well-balanced flavor.

Our mission is to create a partnership between the Evangelical community and the nation of Israel; this partnership will produce employment, income, and revenue for humanitarian aid projects in Israel. We envision the planting of one-million olive trees over the next seven years. This relationship was prophesied in the Bible centuries ago, that the foreigners and strangers (those not of Jewish descent) would help rebuild the walls of Israel and cause the desert to bloom (Isa 35:1). Among other things, this reforestation is an environmental blessing for the entire region. May all who participate in this project be blessed body, soul and spirit; it is time for you to take root in Israel!